Write a detailed long answer on : Elephanta caves, ( how, when and where) and what was the main reason behind building it

The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometers to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located offshore about 2 kilometers west of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva.

The origins of the Elephanta Caves can be traced back to the ancient history of India. The caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings of Konkan who ruled from 810 to 1260 AD. The caves were originally intended as a temple to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu gods. The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.

The main reason behind the construction of the Elephanta Caves was to create a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are known for their beautiful and intricate sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The most important sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti, showing Shiva in three aspects as creator, preserver, and destroyer. Other sculptures depict Shiva's cosmic dance of creation and destruction (Nataraja), and his embodiment as the ascetic yogi (Yogishvara).

The Elephanta Caves are a testament to ancient Indian art and the religious practices of the time. They provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural history of India. Despite the damage they have suffered, the caves remain a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.